By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
PAST players, coaches and officials of the North Sunshine Football Club will come together on Saturday to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary.
The club formed back in 1967 by Reverend John Black. It originally started as a running group, but when the kids of the parents involved wanted to play footy, a footy club was soon created.
Since its inception, North Sunshine has won five junior titles, an Under-18 flag, plus two seniors and two reserves premierships.
North Sunshine’s Ray Portelli said winning premierships over the past five decades have been special, but says developing footballers and well-rounded community members is something he is most proud of.
“It is not just about developing footballers, but good people with the right community values,” he said.
“The new club room extension with the help of the Brimbank Council, giving us great facilities to enjoy is also a highlight.”
The club has produced some AFL talent pver the past 50 years, with Danny Del Re going on to play 62 games for the Western Bulldogs.
Former junior Will Hoskin-Elliott was a member of the club, he is currently playing with the Collingwood Football Club after playing with the GWS Giants.
Emily Smith is also a product of North Sunshine, she has played in the Victorian Women’s Football League with the St Kilda Sharks and has played cricket with the Perth Scorchers.
This year the club has improved its results on the field, so far winning six games in the Division 3 Seniors. It is a big improvement from last season with club only winning three games for the year.
“Our success this year on the field is because of the way our football department is structured by senior coach Brett Kennerley. Brett and his support staff brings professionalism to the team,” Ray said.
“We have a young group of players that are still developing. They have a desire to have success.”
On Saturday, the club will be celebrating their milestone, when they take on local rivals Braybrook at Dempster Park.
The club will be having a spit roast after the game with past and present players, life members and other supporters celebrating the achievement.
The club will also be naming their team of the last 50 years.
For more information, head to the North Sunshine Football Club Facebook page.
Last Modified on 03/08/2017 09:09